Carmen Dagostino, a dedicated educator and advocate for cultural and linguistic exchange at Cal State San Bernardino, is set to embark on an opportunity of a lifetime as the California State University (CSU) Resident Director in Florence, Italy, for the 2025-26 academic year. This highly sought-after appointment highlights Dagostino’s wealth of experience and dedication to promoting global education.

With nearly two decades of teaching at CSUSB’s College of Arts and Letters, Dagostino, a Spanish and linguistics professor, has pioneered innovative academic programs, led many study-abroad trips, and collaborated across disciplines to create impactful educational opportunities for students. She currently serves as the coordinator of the Healthcare Spanish Certificate Program, the Criminal Justice Spanish Certificate Program, and the California Indian Languages Programs. Her leadership in these initiatives exemplifies her commitment to creating interdisciplinary opportunities that connect language studies with real-world applications.

Born and raised in the German-speaking region of Switzerland to Croatian immigrant parents, Dagostino grew up bilingual in Croatian and German. Her multicultural upbringing ignited a lifelong fascination with languages and cultures.

“I always loved learning languages,” she shared, reflecting on how her bilingual roots shaped her understanding of the world.

Her academic journey began with a focus on Italian at university, inspired by her love for the language’s sound. This later evolved into a profound engagement with Spanish, driven by her passion for Latin American literature and linguistics, which led to her study of Indigenous languages of the Americas.

Dagostino’s extensive education includes a doctorate in Hispanic linguistics from a university in Switzerland and a Ph.D. in general linguistics from UC Santa Barbara, where she specialized in Native American languages. This unique combination of expertise laid the foundation for her impactful career at CSUSB, which began in 2007.

Over her 18 years at CSUSB, she has contributed to numerous interdisciplinary initiatives and helped shape the academic and professional futures of countless students. Reflecting on her time at the university, Dagostino expressed gratitude for its supportive environment and collaborative spirit.

“I’ve always felt that it’s a welcoming campus,” she said. “If you’re willing to do the work, you can create meaningful projects for students and the community.”

Carmen Dagostino, a Spanish and linguistics professor at CSUSB’s College of Arts and Letters, talks with a student.
Carmen Dagostino, a Spanish and linguistics professor at CSUSB’s College of Arts and Letters, talks with a student.

Dagostino’s appointment as resident director in Florence aligns seamlessly with her professional and personal passions. As someone who has participated in multiple study abroad programs — to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Venezuela and Puerto Rico — she understands firsthand the transformative power of such experiences.

“Those experiences shaped me,” she said. “I learned much more there than in any classroom.”

In her new role, Dagostino will oversee the CSU Florence Center, a hub for international education that annually welcomes approximately 130 undergraduate students from all 23 California State University campuses. These students immerse themselves in Italian culture while pursuing studies in fields such as architecture, art and design. With her extensive experience and passion for fostering cross-cultural understanding, in her new role, Dagostino is eager to guide students through the challenges and rewards of living abroad.

“I know these experiences will be life-changing for them,” she said. “My goal is to help them grow and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.”

Dagostino’s selection for this competitive position is a testament to her extensive administrative experience and dedication to student success. She has coordinated numerous academic programs, led study abroad trips, and served in leadership roles, including as interim department chair and executive committee member for the Linguistic Society of America. Her ability to bridge administrative responsibilities with a student-centered approach sets her apart as an educator and leader.

Looking ahead, Dagostino envisions her time in Florence as an opportunity to further her commitment to international education by gaining insights into effective cross-cultural programs and applying them to enhance study abroad initiatives and global engagement opportunities at CSUSB.

“I hope to get more involved in the systemwide study abroad community,” she said. “These programs are so important for our students.”

As Dagostino begins to prepare for her departure to Italy after the spring semester, she reflects on the journey that brought her to this pivotal moment.

“My passion for languages and linguistics has always driven me,” she said. “This opportunity is a culmination of everything I’ve worked toward.”